Balsam

Project Profile

Balsam is an oily, resinous, and odorous
substance, which flows spontaneously or by incision from certain plants, and
which the Church mixes with olive oil for use as chrism. The term balsam,
however, is also applied to many pharmaceutical preparations and resinous
substances which possess a balsamic odour.

Balsam is available in oil, gel, emulsion,
solution, and ointment forms.

Balsam pear (Momordica charantia L.) is a
herbaceous vine. It is a member of the Cucurbitacae family and is related to
squash, melons and cucumbers.This crop is widely grown in China, India,
Japan, Mexico, Thailand, Taiwan, the US and, more rarely, in Australia. The
most likely place of origin is China or India.

Balsam fir grows on a wide range of
inorganic and organic soils originating from glaciation and generally
falling within the acid Spodosol, Inceptisol, and Histosol soil orders.

Balsam fir is used primarily for Christmas
trees and pulpwood, although some lumber is produced from it in New England
and the Lake States. The wood is light in weight, low in bending and
compressive strength, moderately limber, soft, and low in resistance to
shock.

The boughs harvested from the balsam fir (Abies
balsamea) are used in 98 percent of the wreaths manufactured. Balsam fir
grows throughout the forested region of Minnesota and the northern portions
of Wisconsin and Michigan. Balsam fir also grows throughout Canada including
most of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

The balsam aroma is a popular fragrance
worldwide, particularly in the perfume and fragrance industries. The U.S.
market for the product has been estimated to be about 18,000 to 36,000 kg
annually, valued at about US$325,000 to $650,000.